1855 P1C Flying Eagle Cent, Judd-168 Original, Pollock-193, R.4,
PR60 Brown NGC. Thirteen stars surround an eagle that is flying
slightly upward, similar to the Christian Gobrecht/Titian Peale
flying eagle design for the Gobrecht dollars (and soon the Flying
Eagle cents). The reverse design is similar to the issued large
cent. The diameter is intermediate between the large cents struck
for commerce in 1855 and the small cents that were first produced
in 1856. Struck in bronze with a plain edge. Each side shows a
woodgrain texture, similar to that seen on San Francisco cents from
1909, most likely from improper mixture of the bronze alloy. This
pattern issue is known for its general lack of red color. On this
particular piece the woodgrain texture actually preserves thin
streaks of original red beneath the otherwise brown patina. The
strike is soft on each side, and there a few specks of carbon on
the obverse. (PCGS# 11720)